C
cato
I know it is a sacred cow in MS domain. But I found Microsoft Messenger (do not mix it up with the Messenger Service) is a security nuisance for my XP with which I am quite satisfied otherwise. I am running XP's own ICF firewall, ZA (free) firewall and NAV 2003 antivirus software. The combination of that three would work beautifully. I just can advise it to all single computer XP users, but the Messenger!
When running security tests as e.g. Symantex's (and a lot of other e.g. Sygate's as per the advices of MVP's) found all TCP/IP ports and ports of Trojan threats are qualified stealth (the best) only if I kill msmsgs.exe. When this unwanted and seemingly harmful program returns after a while, even if its process once terminated, most of my TCP/IP ports security level is damaged and some became wide open to attack.
I never used and will never use the Messenger and blocked its built in server by my Zonalarm firewall. But that unwanted guest returns running damaging my fine security by opening ports to attack.
Is there a way to get rid off this sticky program built into XP, unfortunately. Messenger seems to play to the hands of the hackers and other cyber criminals.
All of those good security advices in this newsgroup are in vain if an unused and unwanted program like Messenger can reduce internet security against the will of the owner of the computer and its software.
Those who use Messenger shall take the associated risk, but the others shall be left secure!
When running security tests as e.g. Symantex's (and a lot of other e.g. Sygate's as per the advices of MVP's) found all TCP/IP ports and ports of Trojan threats are qualified stealth (the best) only if I kill msmsgs.exe. When this unwanted and seemingly harmful program returns after a while, even if its process once terminated, most of my TCP/IP ports security level is damaged and some became wide open to attack.
I never used and will never use the Messenger and blocked its built in server by my Zonalarm firewall. But that unwanted guest returns running damaging my fine security by opening ports to attack.
Is there a way to get rid off this sticky program built into XP, unfortunately. Messenger seems to play to the hands of the hackers and other cyber criminals.
All of those good security advices in this newsgroup are in vain if an unused and unwanted program like Messenger can reduce internet security against the will of the owner of the computer and its software.
Those who use Messenger shall take the associated risk, but the others shall be left secure!